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Host a Holiday Party for Your Pet (+ Their Pals)

By: Manvi Drona-Hidalgo

Forget a pet-friendly party — this one is completely pet-focused. Pamper your best pups this holiday season with a party guaranteed to make their tails wag.

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Pet Soiree

The family pet gets a holiday stocking, so why not throw your beloved pooch a party to celebrate the holiday season? Get our treat recipes and decorating ideas for the perfect paw-ty.

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Set the Guest List With Care

As most pet-parents would know, it's preferable to not invite cats to a doggy party or dogs to a kitty party. Plan to only invite one or the other. Also, a dog party is not the ideal time to bring a new dog into the social mix, and it's definitely not a good place for an aggressive dog or any dog you're unsure about. Get more tips to make your pet-focused party a success.

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Custom Invitations

Just as with any party, invitations set a festive mood and serve as handy reminders for details such as when, where and what to expect. Easily create custom invites using this downloadable template. If you plan on hand-delivering the invites, attach a treat for the four-legged recipient.

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Unbreakable Buffet

This isn't the time to break out fine china. Instead, look for sturdy-but-stylish melamine and plastic dishware. String shatterproof teal and blue orbs on a floral wire for an easy DIY ornament garland. Hang it above the treat table and well out of reach of the guests' paws.

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Scented Centerpiece

A rosemary tree nestled in a galvanized metal bucket is weighted with pebbles to make it extra-secure. Glittered plastic and metal decorations prevent an ornament accident.

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Custom Treats

There are so many gourmet options available at most pet stores, but why not mix it up by making some of your own? Not only are homemade treats fresher, healthier options, they also allow to limit your pet's sugar and salt intake.

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Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

For canines who are peanut butter fans, this homemade dog treat gets a double dose of nutty goodness from the batter and the creamy frosting. Get the Recipe

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Oat Dog Biscuits + Cream Cheese Frosting

These healthy and delicious dog biscuits are frosted with colored cream cheese frosting that gets just a little bit of sweetness from wholesome honey. Get the Recipe

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Strawberry Shortcake Dog Biscuits

Delight your pet with this dog-friendly take on the classic berries-and-cream dessert. Get the Recipe

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Flavorful Favors

Package rawhide disks in glassine bags, then let the pet parents to give to their four-legged friends after the party.

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Special Bow-Tie Favors

Instead of party hats, which are hard to keep from sliding off dogs, purchase bow ties and hair bows. Tie these on each four-legged guest as they come in to the party.

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Hand-Stitched or Store-Bought

This pet-friendly bow-tie is hand-stitched with blue zebra-print fabric from Quandrille, Inc. If you're short on time, you can also purchase bows at your local pet store before the party.

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Doggie Bags

Pin black-and-white treat bags along a clothes line with a copy of the invitation. The stripes add a pop of pattern to the party and serve as to-go containers for the extra treats.

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Chew on This

Provide ample chew toys and tennis balls to keep furry guests occupied during the party.

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Take-Home Treats

Let each pet's parent bag up some of their favorite homemade treats to enjoy throughout the holiday season.